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“Mama, chopper.” He pointed to the toy. “Dada gave to me.” His speech was getting so much better, and I knew that was mainly due to the kids in the house. They were always teaching him new words.

“Did you say thank you?” I smiled at him.

“Tink you.” He grinned at Paul as I reached out and swiped away the drool with a tissue.

I tuned back into the room. To say everyone was stressed would be an understatement. I felt terrible for Savannah, who fussed over Easton as she tried to get him into his wheelchair. He was happy with his prosthetic leg and was running around after Mark’s twins, his hyenas as he so lovingly called them. Savi wanted him to take a break and sit.

“He’s got like a thirteen-hour bus ride, baby.” Cole tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. “If he wants to run around like a nut job, let him do it. He needs to burn off some energy, so his aunts don’t kill him later.” He grinned, and she forced a smile through her tears.

“I know, but the doctor said he’s⁠—”

“That he’s adapting perfectly to the prosthetic. Sometimes I don’t think he even realizes he’s missing a leg. Remember what Doc Roberts said. Normally, these situations are harder on the parents than it is on the kid.”

She sucked in a deep breath and nodded. “You’re right, I know.”

I noticed Olivia watching her parents from where she stood in the far corner of the living room. The expression on her face and her tight lips showed she still carried some guilt from that day on her young shoulders. Poor kid.

Brandon spotted her from the other side of the room, and I knew what was about to happen.

“Hey, Paul,” I nodded at Brandon, “watch.”

Right on cue, Brandon joined Olivia’s side and bumped her shoulder, and she smiled at him, thankful for his consistent company. He was wise beyond his years.

“What?” Paul looked confused.

“Really?” Men… “You really don’t see that?”

“See what? That he went over and bumped her shoulder?”

I shook my head. “How our species has lasted together as long as it has baffles me.”

“I think that often,” Sloane chimed in next to me, “and you’re not the only one who caught that.”

“Yeah?” I grinned.

“Caught what?” Paul looked at the two of us, then at Chase. “Maybe you shouldn’t be leaving, buddy. I feel outnumbered.”

“Bye, sweetie.” I ruffled Chase’s hair. “I’ll see you soon.” I gave him a big hug and a kiss on his little cheeks. “I love you.”

“I ove ou,” he repeated, which brought an unexpected tear to my eye. Paul scooped him from me and leaned down to kiss my temple. He was so tuned in to me, and I was happy for it.

“Time to go, heartbreaker.” Paul moved Chase to sit on his shoulders.

Then, like a well-oiled machine, Cole gave a command, and everybody fell into line and headed outside with their luggage. We all hugged as we said our goodbyes while some of the guys packed the vehicles, and then they were on their way.

Sloane and Savannah decided to go for a walk while Olivia and Brandon raced off to do their own last-minute things until they left in a few hours. The guys had a lot to prepare for, and I had work to do myself, as I’d come up with an idea to help throw Bruno off his game.

Two cups of caffeine and a bagel later, I heard voices. I hurried to see what was going on and found everyone outside. I joined everyone in the hugs and waving then watched in awe as the house staff left in a multitude of different vehicles. Some were marked as repair vehicles, some as pastry trucks, and even a large van marked mechanical services, all to get everyone out in a timely manner. It was fascinating to think a staff that large would just be swallowed up by the town of Redstone or places beyond with barely a ripple.

It seemed like no time later we were all gathered outside again to see the rest of the family off. It seemed surreal. After speaking with each of them and assuring them I’d see them soon, I went to stand next to Paul. Cole pulled his daughter aside for a little talk, and I saw Liv’s head bob up and down as she listened to what he said. He hugged her tight then held the door open for her and shut it after she climbed in. I saw her place her palm on the window, and he pressed his to the glass before he turned toward Savannah. I had to look away.

Keith had some words with his son as well, then gave Brandon an extra-long hug and watched as he climbed in the truck.

Cole let go of Savannah, then when she turned to leave, he pulled her back to him. I saw him run a finger down her necklace then leaned in and whispered something in her ear. God, their love was like something in a movie.

“You all right?” Paul asked as he put his arm around my shoulders.

I nodded. “Yes, it’s just beautiful to watch. Sad, but beautiful.”